If you’re looking for a delightful little treat that captures all the magic of classic pecan pie but in a perfectly snackable form, then the Pecan Pie Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These tiny treasures are packed with rich, buttery pecans, a luscious sweet filling, and a crisp, flaky crust that melts in your mouth. They’re ideal for sharing at parties, offering a bite-sized burst of holiday cheer, or simply indulging in a nostalgic Southern classic with a convenient twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is what makes these bites so irresistibly delicious. Each component plays a key role in balancing sweetness, texture, and that signature pecan richness.
- Chopped Pecans: The star of the show, adding crunch and nuttiness that defines pecan pie.
- Brown Sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and sweetness that meld perfectly with the nuts.
- Corn Syrup or Maple Syrup: Provides that classic glossy, gooey texture in the filling with a subtle flavor twist depending on your choice.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and elevate the other ingredients.
- Egg: Helps bind the filling and gives it that lovely set once baked.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Infuses richness and a tender crumb into every bite.
- Refrigerated Pie Crusts: Provides the flaky, buttery base that holds everything together; homemade crust works just as well!
- Nonstick Spray or Butter: To grease the mini muffin tin, ensuring easy removal of your bites without a single crumb lost.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which is perfect for getting that crust golden without burning the filling. Next, grease your mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter so your pecan pie bites slide out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Shape the Pie Crusts
Roll out your refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles roughly 2.5 inches wide using a round cookie cutter. These circles will form the delicate shells that cradle your filling. Press each cut circle gently but firmly into the muffin cups, shaping them to resemble tiny pie crust cups ready to be filled.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, your choice of corn syrup or maple syrup, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, the egg, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and unified. Once your base is ready, fold in those chopped pecans, evenly distributing their rich texture throughout the filling.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Use a tablespoon to spoon the pecan filling into each pie shell, filling them just right without spilling over. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the filling has set and the crust edges turn a lovely golden brown. This is when the aroma starts filling your kitchen, promising delicious bites ahead.
Step 5: Cool and Remove
Once baked, allow the pecan pie bites to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets them firm up a little so that when you transfer them to a wire rack, they come out without breaking or sticking. Cool completely before serving or storing.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To make your pecan pie bites even more inviting, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy touch, or drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an indulgent finish. A small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the flavors, adding a fresh and sophisticated twist.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee, making them the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner treat. For gatherings, serve alongside fresh fruit or a cheese platter to offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your pecan pie bites in decorative mini cupcake liners or on a festive holiday platter for visual appeal. They also make charming edible favors when placed in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, perfect for gifting during the holidays or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pecan pie bites keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring they stay fresh and tasty.
Freezing
For longer storage, these bites freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, making them a convenient make-ahead treat.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen pecan pie bites at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps refresh their crisp crust and gooey filling without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut circles the same size for best results.
Is maple syrup a good substitute for corn syrup?
Yes, maple syrup is a delicious natural alternative to corn syrup. It adds a subtle, richer flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans, though the texture of the filling may be slightly different.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
To keep them gluten-free, use a store-bought gluten-free pie crust or make your own with gluten-free flour blends. The filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so swapping the crust is key.
What is the best way to chop pecans for this recipe?
Chop pecans evenly but not too finely to retain that wonderful crunch. Roughly half-inch pieces work great, allowing the nutty texture to stay prominent in each bite.
How long do these pecan pie bites take to bake?
Baking between 18 and 22 minutes at 350°F yields the perfect balance of crisp crust and set filling. Keep an eye toward the end to prevent over-baking, ensuring a tender, gooey center.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Pecan Pie Bites Recipe that makes every bite feel like a tiny celebration. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or simply craving a nostalgic, sweet treat, they’re straightforward to prepare and impossible to resist. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy with your loved ones—you might just find your new favorite dessert!
Print
Pecan Pie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Bites are delightful, mini-sized versions of the classic pecan pie, perfect for holiday trays, parties, or gifts. These bite-sized treats feature a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with a sweet, nutty filling made from chopped pecans, brown sugar, and syrup, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 (14 oz) package refrigerated pie crusts or homemade crusts
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing
Filling
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Form Pie Shells: Roll out the pie crusts on a clean surface. Using a round cookie cutter about 2.5 inches wide, cut out circles from the dough. Gently press each dough circle into the greased mini muffin cups to form small pie shells without tearing the dough.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup or maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, egg, and melted butter until fully combined and smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans evenly into the mixture.
- Fill Pie Shells: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the pecan filling into each prepared pie shell, taking care not to overfill to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the tin from the oven and allow the pecan pie bites to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove each bite and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday trays, parties, or gifts.
- Store pecan pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze the pecan pie bites tightly wrapped or in a sealed container.
